U.S. patent number 10,482,728 [Application Number 16/107,123] was granted by the patent office on 2019-11-19 for segmented light indicator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Balluff GMBH. The grantee listed for this patent is Balluff GmbH. Invention is credited to Winfried Erhard Kunzweiler, James Clinton Ramler, Matthew Rommel, Thomas Matthew Rosenberg, Ross T. Terrill.
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United States Patent |
10,482,728 |
Rosenberg , et al. |
November 19, 2019 |
Segmented light indicator
Abstract
A light indicator is comprised of six segments or slices that
may each be individually and vividly lit with various colors and at
various intensities in order to provide information in a
point-of-use context, while also minimizing or entirely eliminating
bleeding of colored light from one segment to another during use.
The light indicator comprises a case containing a processor,
memory, and LED controller, and is capable of lighting one or more
segments based partially or wholly upon instructions from a remote
controller or based entirely on instructions stored in its own
memory. In addition to being able to simultaneously light any
combination of segments to a desired color and intensity, the
indicator is also capable of performing special modes including
directional indication, a run mode indication, and a gauge mode
indication.
Inventors: |
Rosenberg; Thomas Matthew
(Union, KY), Ramler; James Clinton (Burlington, KY),
Rommel; Matthew (Independence, KY), Terrill; Ross T.
(Covington, KY), Kunzweiler; Winfried Erhard (Ebersbach,
DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Balluff GmbH |
Neuhausen a.d.F. |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Balluff GMBH (Neugausen A.D.F.,
DE)
|
Family
ID: |
68236646 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/107,123 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190325714 A1 |
Oct 24, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62659351 |
Apr 18, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B
5/38 (20130101); G09F 9/3023 (20130101); G09F
9/375 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
9/302 (20060101); G08B 5/38 (20060101); G09F
9/37 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Raleigh; Donald L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC
Parent Case Text
PRIORITY
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application 62/659,351, filed Apr. 18, 2018, and entitled
"Segmented Light Indicator," the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An indicator comprising: (a) a case comprising a light emitting
portion, wherein the light emitting portions comprises a cover
adapted to fit the case and partially enclose an interior of the
case; (b) a divider positioned within the case and adapted to
separate the light emitting portion into a set of segments, wherein
each segment of the set of segments is intermediate at least two
other segments of the set of segments; (c) a set of indicator
lights positioned within the case; and (d) a controller operable to
control illumination of the set of indicator lights; wherein: (i)
the controller is configured to selectively illuminate one or more
of the of the set of indicator lights to cause a corresponding
segment of the set of segments to illuminate, (ii) the cover
comprises a triangular shaped surface comprising three vertices,
and (iii) each of the three vertices corresponds to a segment of
the set of segments.
2. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the triangular shaped surface
is a Reuleaux triangular shape.
3. The indicator of claim 1, further comprising a mount adapted to
attach the indicator to a point-of-use and a positioning key
adapted to ensure that, when the indicator is attached to the
point-of-use, each of the three vertices points in a direction that
is pre-determined for that vertex.
4. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured
to, for each indicator light of the set of indicator lights: (a)
cause that indicator light to emit light of a configured intensity,
and (b) cause that indicator light to emit light of a configured
color.
5. The indicator of claim 4, further comprising an IO-link adapter
configured to receive data when connected to an IO-link interface,
wherein the configured intensity and the configured color are
determined based upon a control signal received by the controller
from the IO-link interface.
6. The indicator of claim 1, wherein: (a) the divider comprises a
hub with a set of spokes extending outwards, wherein the set of
spokes define a set of sections within the case, (b) wherein each
spoke of the set of spokes comprises a top edge adapted to abut an
interior wall of the cover and a distal edge adapted to abut an
interior lip of the cover, and (c) the divider is substantially
opaque such that light emitted by a light indicator into any
section of the set of sections is substantially prevented from
passing into any adjacent section.
7. The indicator of claim 6, wherein the cover further comprises a
set of interior steps that touch and pair with the set of spokes
when the divider is coupled with the cover.
8. The indicator of claim 7, wherein the cover is comprised of a
polycarbonate that allows a light transmission of between about 65%
to about 85% and a haze of between about 85% to about 100% at a
thickness of 1.0 mm.
9. The indicator of claim 7, wherein each of the set of interior
steps: (a) extend from the cover between about 0.1 mm and about 1.5
mm, (b) are a width that substantially matches a width of each of
the set of spokes where a step touches a spoke, and (c) are adapted
to reduce flashing between the set of segments.
10. The indicator of claim 1, wherein: (a) the divider comprises a
hub with a set of spokes extending outwards, wherein the set of
spokes define a set of sections within the case, and (b) wherein
each spoke of the set of spokes extends from a top edge having a
top thickness and a bottom edge having a bottom thickness, wherein
the top thickness is greater than the bottom thickness.
11. An indicator comprising: (a) a cover adapted to allow the
passage of light, wherein the cover comprises a set of segments,
and wherein each segment of the set of segments is positioned next
to and touches at least two other segments of the set of segments
to form a looping sequence of segments; (b) a set of light
indicators positioned within the indicator and operable to
selectively illuminate one or more of the set of segments; and (c)
a controller configured to control a set of illumination
characteristics of the set of light indicators; wherein the
controller is further configured to: (i) receive a set of indicator
pattern signals, and (ii) individually control the set of
illumination characteristics of each of the set of light indicators
based upon the indicator pattern signal; and wherein the controller
is further configured to, in response to a run mode signal of the
set of indicator pattern signals: (A) light a first segment of the
set of segments at a first intensity, light a second segment that
is adjacent to the first segment at a second intensity, and light a
third segment that is adjacent to the second segment at a third
intensity to create a running block, and (B) repeatedly shift the
set of illumination characteristics for each light indicator to an
adjacent light indicator, in the same direction, and cause the
running block to iterate through the looping sequence of
segments.
12. The indicator of claim 11, further comprising an IO-link
adapter configured to receive data when connected to an IO-link
interface, wherein: (a) the set of indicator pattern signals is
received from the IO-link interface, and (b) the set of
illumination characteristics include an illumination status, an
illumination intensity, and an illumination color.
13. The indicator of claim 11, wherein the first intensity is
greater than the second intensity, and the second intensity is
greater than the third intensity.
14. The indicator of claim 11, wherein the controller is further
configured to, in response to a gauge mode signal of the set of
indicator pattern signals: (a) starting at a first segment of the
looping sequence of segments, light one or more segments of the
looping sequence of segments, in sequence, based upon a gauge value
of the gauge mode signal, wherein the number of the one or more
segments that are lit is proportional to the gauge value, and (b)
repeatedly change the number of the one or more segments that are
lit as the gauge value changes in response to additional gauge mode
signals.
15. The indicator of claim 14, wherein the controller is further
configured to: (a) after a last segment of the looping sequence of
segments is lit based upon the gauge value, change an illumination
color of the first segment of the looping sequence to a new
illumination color based upon a change in the gauge value, and (b)
starting at the first segment, light one or more segments of the
looping sequence of segments with the new illumination color, in
sequence, based upon the gauge value, wherein the number of the one
or more segments that are lit with the new illumination color is
proportional to the gauge value.
16. The indicator of claim 11, further comprising a mount adapted
to attach the indicator to a point-of-use and a positioning key
adapted to ensure that, when the indicator is attached to the
point-of-use, the position of each of the set of segments is
pre-determined, wherein the controller is further configured to, in
response to a directional signal of the set of indicator pattern
signals: (a) determine a direction associated with the directional
signal, wherein the direction is associated with the physical space
in which the point-of-use is located, (b) determine one or more
segments of the set of segments that are associated with the
direction based upon the pre-determined position of each of the set
of segments, and (c) light each of the one or more segments to
indicate the direction.
17. An indicator comprising: (a) a case; (b) a cover, wherein the
cover is adapted to allow the passage of light therethrough,
wherein the case and cover define an interior; (c) a divider
comprising a hub with a set of six spokes extending outwards from a
central axis, wherein, when the divider is placed within the
interior: (i) a top edge of each of the set of six spokes abuts the
cover such that the set of six spokes define a set of six segments
of the cover, wherein each segment of the set of six segments abuts
two other segments of the set of six segments to form a looping
sequence of segments, (ii) the set of six spokes define a set of
six sections within the interior, and (iii) each of the set of six
segments corresponds to a different of the set of six sections, (d)
a set of light indicators, wherein each section of the set of six
sections contains at least one light indicator of the set of light
indicators, and wherein each of the set of light indicators are
individually operable to illuminate a corresponding segment of the
set of six segments; (e) a controller configured to control a set
of illumination characteristics of the set of light indicators; (f)
a mount adapted to attach the indicator to a point-of-use, the
mount comprising a positioning key adapted to ensure that, when the
indicator is attached to the point-of-use, the position of each of
the set of six segments is pre-determined; wherein the controller
is further configured to receive a directional signal, and in
response to the directional signal: (i) determine a direction
associated with the directional signal, wherein the direction is
associated with the physical space in which the point-of-use is
located, (ii) determine one or more segments of the set of six
segments that are associated with the direction based upon the
pre-determined position of each of the set of six segments, and
(iii) light each of the one or more segments to indicate the
direction.
18. An indicator comprising: (a) a cover adapted to allow the
passage of light, wherein the cover comprises a set of segments,
and wherein each segment of the set of segments is positioned next
to and touches at least two other segments of the set of segments
to form a looping sequence of segments; (b) a set of light
indicators positioned within the indicator and operable to
selectively illuminate one or more of the set of segments; and (c)
a controller configured to control a set of illumination
characteristics of the set of light indicators; wherein the
controller is further configured to: (i) receive a set of indicator
pattern signals, and (ii) individually control the set of
illumination characteristics of each of the set of light indicators
based upon the indicator pattern signal; and wherein the controller
is further configured to, in response to a gauge mode signal of the
set of indicator pattern signals: (A) starting at a first segment
of the looping sequence of segments, light one or more segments of
the looping sequence of segments, in sequence, based upon a gauge
value of the gauge mode signal, wherein the number of the one or
more segments that are lit is proportional to the gauge value, and
(B) repeatedly change the number of the one or more segments that
are lit as the gauge value changes in response to additional gauge
mode signals.
19. An indicator comprising: (a) a cover adapted to allow the
passage of light, wherein the cover comprises a set of segments,
and wherein each segment of the set of segments is positioned next
to and touches at least two other segments of the set of segments
to form a looping sequence of segments; (b) a set of light
indicators positioned within the indicator and operable to
selectively illuminate one or more of the set of segments; (c) a
controller configured to control a set of illumination
characteristics of the set of light indicators; and (d) a mount
adapted to attach the indicator to a point-of-use and a positioning
key adapted to ensure that, when the indicator is attached to the
point-of-use, the position of each of the set of segments is
pre-determined; wherein the controller is further configured to:
(i) receive a set of indicator pattern signals, and (ii)
individually control the set of illumination characteristics of
each of the set of light indicators based upon the indicator
pattern signal; and wherein the controller is further configured
to, in response to a directional signal of the set of indicator
pattern signals: (A) determine a direction associated with the
directional signal, wherein the direction is associated with the
physical space in which the point-of-use is located, (B) determine
one or more segments of the set of segments that are associated
with the direction based upon the pre-determined position of each
of the set of segments, and (C) light each of the one or more
segments to indicate the direction.
Description
FIELD
The disclosed technology pertains to a segmented light indicator
for providing features including a directional indication, a run
mode indication, and a gauge mode indication in a work area.
BACKGROUND
Providing information to workers within a manufacturing or supply
chain workspace is an important part of ensuring that tasks are
performed efficiently, accurately, and safely. Such information can
be provided in a variety of ways, and could include flashing lights
to alert a worker of danger, a wall mounted display to indicate a
work station in need of additional workers, a speaker projecting
audio messages across an area, and handheld or wearable electronic
devices configured to provide instructional interfaces. Many such
conventional devices have disadvantages or limitations which may be
undesirable for some implementations.
As an example, a wall mounted display may provide information to
ten or more people within a viewable range of the display, but it
is less ideal for targeting a message at a single person among the
ten. Additionally, a wall mounted display may require a person to
turn their head or body away from a task they are working on to
view the display. This interrupts their work and could impact the
efficiency or safety of the performance of their task. A speaker
projecting an audio message is similarly limited in that it is
difficult to target a message at a single individual without
distracting others. Handheld or wearable electronic devices are
more effective at targeting messages to individuals, but, in
addition to being expensive and prone to loss or damage as compared
to a static fixture, they may draw the user's attention away from
the task at hand during interactions with the device.
One way in which some of these limitations are addressed is to
provide point-of-use indicators that are designed to provide a
message to a worker that relates to a task they are performing and
are placed proximate to that task. For example, a conveyor belt may
advance whenever a button is depressed by a worker, and the worker
may be instructed to press the button whenever the downstream
workers are prepared for more work. A point-of-use indicator for
this situation might be an indicator light placed next to the
button that is either lit green when downstream workers are
prepared, or unlit when there is some issue or delay causing them
to be unprepared.
In this manner, a worker looking at and pressing the button to
advance the conveyor belt will have the indicator light positioned
within their line of sight without shifting their attention away
from the button they must press. As compared to a system where the
worker must stand and peer out across a work floor to visually
confirm preparedness of downstream workers, it can be seen how such
a point-of-use indicator could increase efficiency by reducing the
time between preparedness and a button press and reduce the
likelihood of the button being pressed when downstream workers are
unprepared.
Conventional point-of-use indicators have struggled to find a
balance between the ability to deliver simple messages that are not
easily misinterpreted, while still maintaining the flexibility to
deliver a wide range of messages. With the prior example, a single
green light which can either be lit or unlit only offers two
possible states, so while it is unlikely to be misinterpreted it is
also of limited use in providing messages.
What is needed, therefore, is an improved system for delivering
point-of-use information via lighted indicators.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings and detailed description that follow are intended to
be merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of
the invention as contemplated by the inventors.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary light
indicator;
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the light indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the light indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the light indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the light indicator of FIG.
1;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the light indicator of FIG. 1
with an exemplary cover removed;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 with the
cover removed;
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an exemplary divider wheel of
the light indicator;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective of the light indicator of FIG. 1 with
the cover and an exemplary case removed;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an exemplary indicator board
of the light indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the case of the light
indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cover of the light
indicator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13A is a rear perspective view of the cover of the light
indicator of FIG. 1 with the divider wheel installed;
FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of an alternate exemplary cover
of the light indicator of FIG. 1 with the divider wheel
installed;
FIG. 13C is a rear perspective view of the alternate exemplary
cover of the light indicator of FIG. 1 with the divider wheel
removed;
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the light indicator of FIG. 1
installed for use with an exemplary indicator controller;
FIG. 15 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1
depicting the boundaries of the segments;
FIG. 16 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 during
an exemplary first stage of a run light mode;
FIG. 17 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 during
an exemplary second stage of a run light mode;
FIG. 18 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 during
an exemplary first stage of a gauge mode;
FIG. 19 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 during
an exemplary second stage of a gauge mode;
FIG. 20 is a simulated view of the light indicator of FIG. 1 during
an exemplary third stage of a gauge mode; and
FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an exemplary computer system that
may be used to implement the indicator controller of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The inventors have conceived of novel technology that, for the
purpose of illustration, is disclosed herein as applied in the
context of light indicators. While the disclosed applications of
the inventors' technology satisfy a long-felt but unmet need in the
art of light indicators, it should be understood that the
inventors' technology is not limited to being implemented in the
precise manners set forth herein, but could be implemented in other
manners without undue experimentation by those of ordinary skill in
the art in light of this disclosure. Accordingly, the examples set
forth herein should be understood as being illustrative only, and
should not be treated as limiting.
One implementation of the technology disclosed herein is a light
indicator that may be used for point-of-use informational signaling
for workers in a manufacturing, supply chain, or other setting.
Such a light indicator may be visibly placed near a piece of
equipment, a conveyor, a bin (i.e., a bin where objects are to be
picked from or placed in), and may be lit to provide information to
nearby personnel. This could include, for example, indicating that
the piece of equipment is currently unusable, indicating a
direction that a conveyor is currently moving, or indicating a bin
where an item should be pulled from or placed in. Some light
indicators may also include sensors configured to detect whether an
alert has been acknowledged, or that a task has been completed.
This could include, for example, a proximity sensor that may detect
the presence of a hand or other object and determine that an item
has been pulled from a bin or placed in a bin. Placement of light
indicators at a point-of-use allows information to be provided to
and received from personnel in a way that does not draw their
attention away from the task at hand (e.g., as a notification via a
mobile device or a wall mounted display behind them might), and
does not confuse nearby personnel (e.g., as a notification via a
speaker or wall mounted display visible to many personnel
might).
One exemplary light indicator is comprised of six segments or
slices that may each be individually and vividly lit with various
colors and at various intensities in order to provide information
as desired, while also minimizing or entirely eliminating bleeding
of colored light from one segment to another during use. The light
indicator comprises a case containing a processor, memory, and
light emitting diode ("LED") controller, and is capable of lighting
one or more segments based partially or wholly upon instructions
from a remote controller, or based entirely on instructions stored
in its own memory. In addition to being able to simultaneously
light any combination of segments to a desired color and intensity,
the indicator is also capable of performing special modes including
directional indication, a run mode indication, and a gauge mode
indication. The features of this implementation and others will be
described in more detail below.
Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an indicator (100)
comprising a cover (102) fitted onto a case (104), with a sensor
cover (106) that covers a sensor (128) (visible in FIG. 10)
positioned so that its sensory range extends upwards and through
the sensor cover (106), and a mount (107) extending downwards from
the case (104). While some indicators (100) will have sensor (128)
and sensor cover (106) in order to detect interactions by personnel
(e.g., picking an item from a bin or placing an item in a bin), it
should be noted that it is not a required feature. The case (104)
may be made of plastic, metal, or other durable materials, and may
also be opaque or substantially opaque in order to prevent light
from within the indicator (100) bleeding out through the case
(104). With reference to FIG. 11, the case (104) has a hollow
interior (105) adapted to contain the electronics and other
internal components of the indicator (100).
The cover (102) may be formed of plastic, glass, or another
material that may be produced with varying levels of translucency.
Since the cover (102) is the light emitting portion of the
indicator (100) in the shown implementation, translucent materials
that allow more light through the cover (102) will result in
brighter and more vivid colors being displayed by the indicator
(100), but may also allow for colors to bleed from one segment into
another through the material of the cover (102). Reducing the
amount of light that passes through the cover (102) will reduce the
brightness and vividness of the indicator (100), but will prevent
or reduce bleed between segments. It should also be understood that
in varying implementations of indicators such as the indicator
(100), the light emitting portion may be positioned elsewhere
(e.g., on a cover, case, or other structure of the indicator).
Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the mount (107) is a
threaded post that may be inserted into a mounting hole or slot.
The larger diameter threading may then receive a mounting nut in
order to secure it in place, while the smaller diameter threading
may be used to secure a power and/or data cable or connection to
the indicator (100). It should be understood that mount (107) need
not be threaded and may take other forms. For example, some mounts
(107) may have two or more bolts that may pass through a mounting
surface and be bolted in place, or may use other mechanical
connections such as hooks, latches, sleeves, or the like. Also
shown in FIG. 2, as well as FIGS. 4 and 5, is a positioning key
(108) which projects outwards from the mount (107) and may be used
to position the indicator (100) with a proper directional
orientation during installation when used with a mounting bracket
or holder having a matching key slot (not shown). In some
installations the directional orientation of the indicator (100)
may be important, such as where a directional indication is given
by lighting a segment which is known to point in a certain
direction (e.g., towards the floor or ceiling, downstream of a work
station, upstream of a workstation, or to a worker's left or
right).
Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the sensor cover (106) is
positioned towards the center of the indicator (100) cover (102)
and, with reference to FIG. 2, at the highest point or apex of the
cover (102). As has been discussed, the sensor (128) may be
configured to detect the presence of an object within a
configurable distance of about 1 mm to about 1000 mm of the sensor
(128). The sensor (128) may be implemented as, for example, an
optical sensor (e.g., photodetector or infra-red sensor) or other
proximity sensor (e.g., electromagnetic, thermal, ultrasonic,
capacitive, or microwave). Sensors (128) may be useful in
applications where the indicator (100) is used to draw a worker's
attention to the location of a task, such as pressing a button or
retrieving an object, as they may be used to detect and determine
when the task can be assumed to be completed (e.g., where the
sensor (128) determines that an object of similar size or shape of
a hand has passed within 1000 mm of the button or object).
The cover (102) may be formed as a single piece designed to fit
into or onto the case (104) and define an aperture (103), as can be
seen in FIG. 12, for the sensor cover (106) to be positioned
within. The sensor cover (106) protects the sensor (128) and may
also provide a filtering effect where the sensor (128) is an
optical sensor type. Where the sensor (128) is, for example, an
infrared sensor configured to detect proximity and interactions of
personnel, the sensor cover (106) may be made from an exemplary
material having infrared transmission rates of about 89-91% and
haze of about 0.21% or infrared light having a wavelength between
about 700 nm and about 1100 nm. While the exemplary material
characteristics have been found to be effective, it should be
understood that the transmission, haze, infrared wavelength, and
other characteristics of the sensor cover (106) may be varied to
some extent and still allow the sensor (128) to function. It should
also be noted that in some implementations, the cover (102) and the
sensor cover (106) may be assembled onto the case (104) and
removable, while in others one or both may instead be permanently
attached to the case (104) to form a single piece.
It may be desirable to vary the translucency characteristics of the
cover (102) in different implementations (e.g., low-light
applications, outdoor applications) in order to provide light that
is highly visible, but is neither distracting nor confusing. An
exemplary material for the cover (102) having translucency
characteristics that allow for bright and vivid color display while
also substantially preventing confusing bleed-over to other
portions of the cover (102) is ALCOM PC 740/4 UV WT1368-04LD,
produced by Albis Plastics Corporation, of Duncan, S.C. That
material is a polycarbonate with filler material that allows a
light transmission of about 74% at about 1.0 mm and a haze of about
96% at about 1.0 mm, which has been found to be suitable for vivid
color and light display while minimizing bleeding. However, it
should be noted that other materials and other thicknesses ranging
between an exemplary range of about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm will be
appropriate to produce indicators having a desired level of light
transmission, with such variations being apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
Additionally, while about 74% light transmission and about 96% haze
has been found to be suitable, it will be further apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that a
range of light transmissions will be appropriate for different
implementations of indicators, and for various purposes (e.g.,
indicators for dimly lit environments, indicators for long distance
or more brightly lit environments), with some exemplary levels of
light transmission being between about 60% and about 90%.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show the underside of the indicator (100), where an
I/O connector (110) can be seen within the mount (107). The I/O
connector (110) may be used to connect one or more cables that
provide electrical power and data or other instructions from a
remote source to the indicator (100), and may also be used to
provide electrical power and data or other instructions to other
indicators (100) connected downstream of a particular indicator
(100), as will be discussed in further detail below with reference
to FIG. 14. Variations on the form and function of the I/O
connector (110) exist and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art in light of the teachings herein.
For example, in some implementations, the I/O connector (110) may
only receive power, while data communications between the indicator
(100) and other devices (e.g., other indicators or an indicator
controller as described in the context of FIG. 14) may be performed
wirelessly by wireless transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio)
within each indicator or device. In further variations of
indicators having wireless transceivers, an indicator may not have
an I/O connector (110) at all, and may instead be powered by an
internal rechargeable or replaceable battery, to allow for the
indicator to be temporarily placed at a point-of-use without
hardwired power or data connections. In such an implementation, the
indicator may, when placed, receive information from a beacon or
other indicator proximate to the placement that may be used to
identify the location of the placement and configure that indicator
to receive signals intended for that location.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, those figures show the indicator
(100) with its cover (102) removed. An LED shelf (116) is mounted
within the case (104), the LED shelf (116) having six LED's (114).
The LED shelf (116) serves to both hold and position the LEDs (114)
within the indicator (100), and also comprises the circuitry
required to send power to the LEDs (114) to cause them to light. A
divider wheel (112) is also mounted within the case (104), the
divider wheel (112) having six divider spokes (118) that extend
outwards from a divider hub (120), as can be seen in FIG. 8. When
installed within the case (104), the divider wheel (112) rests on
top of the LED shelf (116) and the divider spokes (118) divide the
face of the LED shelf (116) into six separate sections, each
section containing one LED (114). These LEDs (114) can be activated
independently of each other to a desired color and brightness in
order to light the section it is placed within. While the shown
indicator (100) uses LEDs (114), other lights or light indicators
may also be used as may be desirable for a particular
implementation. The divider wheel (112) may be separate and
removable from the cover (102) and case (104), or may be a portion
of, or permanently attached to, one or more of cover (102) and case
(104), as may be desirable for a particular implementation (e.g.,
providing a removable cover (102) and divider wheel (112) to allow
for servicing of the indicator (100), providing a single-piece
indicator (100) that is sealed against environment hazards).
In some implementations it may be desirable to substantially or
entirely prevent light from passing through the divider wheel
(112), in order to provide clear differentiation of lighting
between segments. An exemplary material that may be used for the
divider wheel (112) having characteristics that substantially
prevent bleed-over is ALCOM AWL 109/15 WT1217-11LB, produced by
Albis Plastics Corporation, of Duncan, S.C. That material is a
copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, modified with a
polycarbonate and containing other fillers, and allows a light
transmission of about 0.4% (e.g., substantially opaque but not
perfectly opaque) at an exemplary thickness of about 0.5 mm which
has been found to be suitable for minimizing bleeding. However, it
should be noted that other materials and other thicknesses ranging
between an exemplary range of about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm will be
appropriate to produce indicators having a desired level of light
transmission, with such variations being apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
Additionally, while about 0.4% light transmission has been found to
be suitable, it will be further apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art in light of this disclosure that a range of light
transmissions will be appropriate for different implementations of
indicators, and for various purposes (e.g., indicators for dimly
lit environments, indicators for long distance or more brightly lit
environments), with some exemplary levels of light transmission
being between about 0.1% and about 2.0%.
Several features prevent light from one sectioned LED (114) from
bleeding into another section. With reference to FIG. 13A, the
divider spokes (118) are entirely or substantially opaque and each
spoke top edge (111) is curved to fit snugly against the interior
wall (115) of the cover (102) when the cover (102) is in place.
Similarly, the spoke distal edge (113) of each divider spoke (118)
will fit tightly against the cover lip (117) of the cover (102)
when the cover (102) is in place. As a result, when the cover (102)
is in place, and an LED (114) is activated to emit light, the
adjacent divider spokes (118), which are opaque, prevent that light
from reaching other sections of the indicator (100). The
translucent cover (102) allows some emitted light to pass through,
but, since the spoke top edge (111) fits against the interior wall
(115) of the cover (102) and the spoke distal edge (113) fits
against the cover lip (117), light passing through and emitted
through the cover is confined to the area or section of the cover
(102) between two adjacent divider spokes (118).
In some exemplary implementations the divider spokes (118) may have
a thickness of about 1.0 mm at a spoke bottom edge (119) and a
thickness of about 1.6 mm at a spoke top edge (111). This tapering
of the divider spokes (118) provides an advantage in confining the
light from a particular LED such as the LED (114) to a particular
segment, as the divider spokes (118) surrounding that particular
LED will taper together above it. The tapering of the divider
spokes (118) offers an additional advantage in allowing for a draft
angle during manufacturing of the divider wheel (112). In addition
to being substantially opaque, the divider wheel (114) may be
colored white, if maximizing reflection of light from the LED (114)
is desirable, or may be colored black, if maximizing absorption of
light from the LED (114) is desirable, or other colors in between.
These, among other characteristics of the indicator (100), may be
varied to achieve the desired range of color and brightness of
light emitted by a particular indicator such as the indicator
(100).
FIG. 13B shows an alternate implementation of a cover (132) and a
divider wheel (112), where the cover (132) comprises a plurality of
steps (134) extending from the interior of the cover to meet the
divider wheel (112). As shown, the plurality of steps (134) extend
from the interior wall (115), with each step (134) positioned so
that the step (134) is paired with the divider spoke (118) when the
divider wheel (112) is installed within the cover (132). The spoke
top edge (111) follows the contour of and fits tightly against the
step (134). The steps (134) extend from the interior wall (115)
between about 0.1 mm and about 1.5 mm and are the same or similar
thickness as the spoke top edge (111), which may provide advantages
in implementations where the divider wheel (112) is molded or
otherwise affixed to the cover (132). The steps (134) of the cover
(132) also provide the advantage of reducing flashing between
segments and may also minimize the area of reduced or dulled color
that may be visible where the spoke top edge (111) directly meets
the interior wall (115) in the cover (102) when adjacent segments
are lit with different colors. FIG. 13C shows the cover (132) with
the divider wheel (112) removed. The steps (134) can be more
clearly seen extending from the interior wall (115) and the inside
of the cover lip (117) and positioned such that they align with the
divider wheel (112) when it is in place.
Turning now to FIG. 9, that figure shows an assembled LED shelf
(116) and indicator board (122) after removal from the case (104)
and removal of the divider wheel (112), with sensor cover (106)
still shown in place. The LEDs (114) can be seen more clearly
mounted to the LED shelf (116), which itself is connected to the
indicator board (122) via conductive shelf connections (124) that
are paired with conductive board connections (126) when the LED
shelf (116) is in place. The conductive surface connectors (124,
126) allow the indicator board (122) to provide power signals to
the LEDs (114), via circuitry either present on the surface of LED
shelf (116) or embedded within, that cause one or more of the LEDs
(114) to emit light of varying color and brightness. In the shown
example, there are six pairs of conductive connectors (124, 126).
I/O connector (110) can also be seen extending from the bottom of
indicator board (122).
The indicator board (122) can be seen more clearly in FIG. 10 where
it is isolated from the LED shelf (116). Circuitry present on the
surface of or embedded within the indicator board (122) allows
power, data, or both to be received or transmitted (i.e., to a
downstream indicator (100)) via the I/O connector (110) and
utilized by a processor and memory (not pictured, may be mounted to
or embedded in LED shelf (116) or indicator board (122)) to perform
various functions (e.g., too generate and send signals to one or
more LEDs (114) causing them to light, or to cause one or more LEDs
(114) to operate in a special mode), to light one or more LEDs
(114) via the board connection (126), or to control sensor (128).
The processor and memory may be selected based upon the
requirements for a particular indicator (100) implementation, but
will generally be able to store and execute multiple sets of
software instructions relating to operating the LEDs (114), the
sensor (128), and sending and receiving power, data, or both via
the I/O connector (110).
By having a processor and memory within the indicator (100) itself,
communication with the indicator (100) can be simplified. For
example, in a particular work environment, a single master
indicator computer might provide signals to a plurality of
indicators (100). While the indicator (100) could receive a signal
from the master computer instructing it to light three of its six
segments, this signal could be in different forms. In one form, the
signal could be a data packet with three numbers, 1, 3, and 5,
indicating that the indicator should light LEDs (114) 1, 3, and 5.
In a different form, the signal could be a data packet with a
single number, 9, which the indicator (100) could use internally
(e.g., by querying a lookup table or providing the input number to
a determination function) to determine that it should light LEDs
(114) 1, 3, and 5.
It can be seen from this example that the second scenario minimizes
the amount of work done by the master computer, and also minimizes
the amount of data moved from the maser computer to the indicator
(100), which may be advantageous in some implementations. The
ability for the indicator (100) to process and act upon its own
instructions in this manner may also be useful when placing the
indicator (100) into a pre-configured mode, such as directional
mode, run mode, or gauge mode, as will be described in further
detail below. For example, receiving the input "9" could cause the
indicator (100) to immediately enter run mode and sustain it for as
long as needed without further instruction, rather than having to
receive a continuous sequence of individual instructions.
Turning now to FIG. 14, that figure shows a schematic diagram of a
first indicator (201) and a second indicator (203) in use in a work
environment. An indicator controller (210) may be one or more
computers, machines, or other equipment configured to manage
various aspects of the work environment through a digital interface
with devices such as the first indicator (201) and the second
indicator (203). This digital interface may allow for standardized
communication with connected devices using various protocols (e.g.,
point-to-point serial communication protocol).
One exemplary digital interface is an IO-link adapter or interface
that allows the first indicator (201) and the second indicator
(203) to be connected to a master assembly for communication with
the indicator controller (210). In some implementations, an
indicator such as the first indicator (201) may comprise a first
IO-link connector (e.g., an IO-link adapter), and the indicator
controller (210) or other equipment may comprise a second IO-link
connector (e.g., an IO-link interface). The first and second
IO-link connectors may be configured to couple and allow the
transfer of power and data. Such an IO-link connection may
advantageously provide a power supply and a data connection to an
indicator such as the first indicator (201) through the same
connection, cable, or both, and may considerably reduce the effort
and cost of installing and maintaining multiple separate connecting
cables. The IO-link connection may also allow for standardized
connection to a variety of different machines, equipment, and
systems such as the indicator controller (210) or a conveyor belt
or other equipment in a work environment.
As an example of a use of the indicator controller (210), in a
supply chain setting an indicator controller (210) may receive data
indicating a certain item has been ordered, query a database to
determine the location of the item within the work environment,
send a signal to the first indicator (201) above the container the
item is within, and then send a signal to disable the first
indicator (201) when data is received from the sensor (128)
indicating the item was picked by a worker.
FIG. 21 shows a computer system (26) that may be implemented as the
indicator controller (210). The computer system (26) may include a
processor (28), a memory (30), a mass storage memory device (32),
an input/output (I/O) interface (34), and a Human Machine Interface
(HMI) (36). Computer system (26) may also be operatively coupled to
one or more external resources (38) via network (24) or I/O
interface (34). External resources may include, but are not limited
to, servers, databases, mass storage devices, peripheral devices,
cloud-based network services, or any other suitable computer
resource that may used by computer system (26).
Processor (28) may include one or more devices selected from
microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors,
microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate
arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits,
analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other devices that
manipulate signals (analog or digital) based on operational
instructions that are stored in memory (30). Memory (30) may
include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices
including, but not limited, to read-only memory (ROM), random
access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static
random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),
flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing
information. Mass storage memory device (32) may include data
storage devices such as a hard drive, optical drive, tape drive,
non-volatile solid-state device, or any other device capable of
storing information.
Processor (28) may operate under the control of an operating system
(40) that resides in memory (30). Operating system (40) may manage
computer resources so that computer program code embodied as one or
more computer software applications, such as an application (42)
residing in memory (30), may have instructions executed by
processor (28). In an alternative embodiment, processor (28) may
execute the application (42) directly, in which case operating
system (40) may be omitted. One or more data structures (44) may
also reside in memory (30), and may be used by processor (28),
operating system (40), or application (42) to store or manipulate
data.
I/O interface (34) may provide a machine interface that operatively
couples processor (28) to other devices and systems, such as
network (24) or external resource (38). Application (42) may
thereby work cooperatively with network (24) or external resource
(38) by communicating via I/O interface (34) to provide the various
features, functions, applications, processes, or modules comprising
embodiments of the invention. Application (42) may also have
program code that is executed by one or more external resources
(38), or otherwise rely on functions or signals provided by other
system or network components external to computer system (26).
Indeed, given the nearly endless hardware and software
configurations possible, persons having ordinary skill in the art
will understand that embodiments of the invention may include
applications that are located externally to computer system (26),
distributed among multiple computers or other external resources
(38), or provided by computing resources (hardware and software)
that are provided as a service over network (24), such as a cloud
computing service.
HMI (36) may be operatively coupled to processor (28) of computer
system (26) in a known manner to allow a user to interact directly
with computer system (26). HMI (36) may include video or
alphanumeric displays, a touch screen, a speaker, and any other
suitable audio and visual indicators capable of providing data to
the user. HMI (36) may also include input devices and controls such
as an alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device, keypads,
pushbuttons, control knobs, microphones, etc., capable of accepting
commands or input from the user and transmitting the entered input
to processor (28).
A database (46) may reside on mass storage memory device (32), and
may be used to collect and organize data used by the various
systems and modules described herein. Database (46) may include
data and supporting data structures that store and organize the
data. In particular, database (46) may be arranged with any
database organization or structure including, but not limited to, a
relational database, a hierarchical database, a network database,
or combinations thereof. A database management system in the form
of a computer software application executing as instructions on
processor (28) may be used to access the information or data stored
in records of database (46) in response to a query, where a query
may be dynamically determined and executed by operating system
(40), other applications (42), or one or more modules.
The indicator controller (210) may be connected via a cable (212)
to the first indicator (201) located at a first work area (200).
Power and instructions may be supplied to the first indicator (201)
via the cable (212) and received by an I/O device (208) of the
first indicator (201). The power and instructions may then be used
by a controller such as an LED controller (206) of the indicator
(100) to determine one or more LEDs that should be activated from
an LED set (204), and the color and intensity of the light they
should emit, and then provide instructions and power to the LED set
(204) to cause the desired light output. A cable (214) also runs
from the I/O device of the first indicator (201) to the second
indicator (203). With this type of configuration, a first indicator
(201) may receive some instructions from the indicator controller
(210) that cause it to emit light and may forward some or all those
instructions to cause the same or a different response to one or
more subsequently attached indicators such as the second indicator
(203).
In implementations where the indicator controller (210) or another
machine or equipment (e.g., a conveyor located at work area (200))
is coupled with indicators such as the first indicator (201) using
a digital interface such as an IO-link interface, the I/O device
(208) may be an IO-link adapter, and the cable (212) may be
connected to, or an endpoint of, an IO-link interface. Other
variations on IO-link implementations of work environments such as
that shown in FIG. 14 exist and will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the disclosure herein.
For example, indicator controller (210) may send a data packet to
indicator (201) that contains separate instructions for both the
first indicator (201) and the second indicator (203). The first
indicator (201) may receive the instructions and, while performing
them, send the second set of instructions to the second indicator
(203). This configuration may be advantageous in that behavior can
be more easily mirrored or synced across multiple indicators, and
also may reduce the length and cost of cables compared to a
configuration where indicator controller (210) is directly
connected to each and every indicator in a work environment.
Referring to FIG. 15, that figure shows a simulated image of the
indicator (100) which comprises a first segment (301), a second
segment (302), a third segment (303), a fourth segment (304), a
fifth segment (305), and a sixth segment (306), with the dotted
lines separating the segments indicating the boundary that light
emitting from that segments LED (114) will be contained within. As
can be seen, the first segment (301), the second segment (302), the
third segment (303), the fourth segment (304), the fifth segment
(305), and the sixth segment (306) are arranged about the face of a
cover such as the cover (102), with each segment touching two
adjacent segments in order to form a looping sequence of segments
(i.e., the segments can be sequentially iterated through starting
at the first segment (301) and then returning to the first segment
(301) after iterating past the sixth segment (306)). It should be
understood that a looping sequence of segments may also be
implemented in covers of other shapes, such as triangular, square,
circular, and other polygonal shapes having various sides.
Dotted lines show the separation between segments of the looping
sequence of segments that may be individually lighted. As has been
described above, a first segment (301) may be lit by the LED (114)
contained within without any of the emitted light bleeding into a
second segment (302) or a sixth segment (306) by way of divider
spokes (118) and/or the other elements described above. These clean
delineations between lighted segments allow a variety of light
patterns to be displayed, including simultaneously lighting,
flashing, strobing, or alternating between one and six segments
with between one and six colors at an intensity or brightness of
between about 1% and 100%. With this level of flexibility, any
desired pattern of lighting, flashing, strobing, or alternating
between colors can be programmed and performed by a processor at
the indicator level (i.e., the processor and memory or the LED
controller (206)) or based upon instructions from the indicator
controller (210).
Some examples of particular behavior or modes that the indicator
(100) may perform include directional mode, run mode, and gauge
mode. Directional mode can be used to provide a directional
indicator to a viewer of the indicator (100), when the directional
orientation of the indicator (100) is known (i.e., where the
positioning key (108) is used with an appropriate mounting point
during installation to guarantee directional orientation) or can be
assumed. With the indicator (100) installed as described, it can be
seen in FIG. 15 that the first segment (301), the third segment
(303), and the fifth segment (305) each appear to point in a
particular direction due to Reuleaux triangle (e.g., a triangle
with outwardly curved edges between points) design and shape of the
indicator (100).
Thus, when installed vertically on a wall, or horizontally on a
surface, these three segments can be used as directional indicators
that could be lit to indicate to a nearby worker that a task exists
in that direction, or that their attention should be drawn to that
direction. In this manner, the indicator (100) could point to a
button that must be hit, towards a container that an item must be
retrieved from, towards a direction that an object may be arriving
from on a conveyor belt, to a direction that a potential danger
might exist in, or other similar directional instructions.
Variations on such directional indicating exist and could include,
for example, lighting the second segment (302) and the third
segment (303) to point right, the fifth segment (305) and the sixth
segment (306) to point left, the third segment (303), the fourth
segment (304) and the fifth segment (305) to point down, the first
segment (301), the second segment (302) and the sixth segment (306)
to point up, or lighting any individual segment to point to any
immediately proximate control (e.g., a button proximate to and
corresponding to each segment), object, or task (e.g., a sticker or
poster with instructions proximate to and corresponding to each
segment) as may be desired.
The indicator (100) may be placed into a run mode based upon a
signal received from the indicator controller (210) or based upon
signals originating from the indicator (100) itself. When in a run
mode, the indicator (100) will light a contiguous block of one or
more segments at a first period of time, then light a second
contiguous block of one or more segments at a second period of
time, where the first and second contiguous block are adjacent to
each other. When performed multiple times in sequence, this can
create a visual effect of a lighted block circling or running
around the indicator in a particular direction. FIGS. 16 and 17
provide a simulated example, running in a clockwise direction (308)
and using shaded circles to represent produced light. FIG. 16 shows
the indicator (100) at a first period of time, with the first
segment (301), the second segment (302), and the sixth segment
(306) lit. FIG. 17 shows the indicator (100) at a second,
subsequent period of time, with the first segment (301), the second
segment (302), and the third segment (303) lit. As can be seen, the
block of three lit segments appears to be moving, clockwise (308),
around the indicator (100).
Segments may be lit to the same color and intensity, or different
colors, or shades of colors, and intensities. For example, a second
segment (302), being sequentially first in the run, may be lit the
brightest, while the first segment (301), being sequentially
second, may be second brightest, and the sixth segment (306) may be
third brightest. This could create a further visual effect of the
running block fading at the tail edge as it moves clockwise (308)
around the indicator (100). Run mode may be useful to indicate a
variety of situations.
For example, the indicator (100) in run mode may indicate that a
particular task or occurrence is waiting for a pre-requisite to be
completed before it is performed. This could include a button that
must be pressed after an object is placed on a conveyor belt. The
indicator (100) may display in run mode until the object is placed
on the conveyor belt, at which time it could switch to a
directional indicator pointing at the button. As another example,
run mode may indicate that a particular machine or task will be
available for use or performance soon and that there is no error,
and so a worker should just wait a few moments. Other exemplary
uses exist and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
in light of this disclosure.
The indicator (100) may be placed into a gauge mode based upon a
signal received from the indicator controller (210) or based upon
signals originating from the indicator (100) itself. When in gauge
mode, the indicator (100) may, based upon a set of input data,
light segments in a manner that visually suggests an increasing or
decreasing gauge. The input data may come from, for example, an
outside source such as the indicator controller (210) or another
computer, machine, or sensor, or may originate from the indicator
(100) itself, such as a timed process (e.g., a count-down or
count-up timer), the sensor (128), or another sensor that may be
connected to the indicator (100).
FIGS. 18-20 provide a visual example of an indicator (100) in gauge
mode. While a variety of inputs could be provided, for the sake of
example it will be assumed that the indicator (100) is receiving
data from a temperature sensor on a nearby machine, and that the
data can be used to determine a percentage of maximum safe
temperature that the nearby machine is currently operating at. The
indicator (100) may determine that the temperature is currently
10%, and in response will light the first segment (301), as shown
in FIG. 18, to indicate a temperature of less than 17% (i.e., 100%
divided by six segments). As the temperature increases, a second
segment (302) would light at around 17%, a third segment (303)
would light around 34%, a fourth segment around 51%, and so on,
until 100% is reached as can be seen in FIG. 19, where all segments
are lit. This could be described as a single rotation gauge, and
could use a single color for each lit segment, could operate in a
gradient of colors with intensity or brightness increasing along
the gradient as each segment is lit, or could use different colors
for different segments (e.g., green for the first segment (301) and
the second segment (302)), yellow for the third segment (303) and
the fourth segment (304), and red for the fifth segment (305) and
the sixth segment (306)).
The indicator (100) in gauge mode may support multiple rotation
gauges as well. For example, referring again to FIG. 19, each
segment could be representative of approximately 8% of a maximum
safe value instead of 17%, with each subsequent segment lighting
when the next 8% threshold is reached. The lighted segments could
proceed around the indicator (100) clockwise (308) until the all
six segments (e.g., the first segment (301), the second segment
(302), etc.) are lit with a first color, such as yellow, and then
as the percentage continues to increase the first segment (301)
could shift from the first color, yellow, to a second color, such
as red. The lighted segments could continue to proceed around the
indicator (100) clockwise (308) until all six segments (e.g., the
first segment (301), the second segment (302), etc.) are lit with
the second color, red, as can be seen in FIG. 20. This could be a
double rotation gauge, but it should be apparent that the same
concept could support any number of desired rotations with colors,
intensities, or lighting patterns changing upon each complete
rotation.
While the figures have shown the indicator (100) with the case
(104) and cover (102) having a profile shaped as a Reuleaux
triangle, which has been discussed as offering some advantage
beyond aesthetics at least in regard to directional pointing, it
should also be understood that many of the concepts disclosed
herein also apply to indicators (100) whose profile is square,
circular, triangular, or most other shapes. Additionally, while the
figures have shown the indicator (100) with six segments, it should
be understood that many of the concepts disclosed herein also apply
to indicators having two or more segments in general, and so
indicators having three, four, or even eight segments would also be
contemplated, for example. Further, while the figures have shown
one LED (e.g., the LED (114)) being placed within each segment, it
should be understood that there may be one or more LEDs per segment
in order to allow for brighter lighting, mixed color lighting, or
backup or failover lighting.
Other variations will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art in light of this disclosure. For example, the indicator
(100) could communicate with the indicator controller (210) or with
other indicators wirelessly rather than via a direct connection or
daisy-chained connection. It is also contemplated that indicators
could have integrated batteries or battery packs to allow for quick
installation without the need for running cables of any type. It is
also contemplated that segmented light indicators such as those
disclosed herein could be implemented with an LED panel display
with a protective cover, which could allow for additional
capabilities in terms of displaying text, video, and images in
addition to vivid and clearly segmented colored light. It is also
contemplated that the cover (102) and the divider wheel (112) could
be produced as a single unibody piece comprising two different
materials (e.g., an opaque plastic for the divider wheel (112) and
a translucent plastic for the cover (102)) that are molded
together, which could advantageously allow the spoke top edge (111)
of each divider spoke (118) to embed to some depth within the cover
(102) material rather than just resting against it, which may
further prevent the spread of emitted light into adjacent
segments.
It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,
expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be
combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,
embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The
following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples,
etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each
other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be
combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and
variations are intended to be included within the scope of the
claims.
Example 1
An indicator comprising: (a) a case comprising a light emitting
portion; (b) a divider positioned within the case and adapted to
separate the light emitting portion into a set of segments; (c) a
set of indicator lights positioned within the case; and (d) a
controller operable to control illumination of the set of indicator
lights; wherein the controller is configured to selectively
illuminate one or more of the of the set of indicator lights to
cause a corresponding segments of the set of segments to
illuminate.
Example 2
The indicator of Example 1, wherein each segment of the set of
segments is intermediate at least two other segments of the set of
segments.
Example 3
The indicator of Example 2, wherein: (a) the light emitting portion
comprises a cover adapted to fit the case and partially enclose an
interior of the case, (b) the cover comprises a triangular shaped
surface comprising three vertices, and (c) each of the three
vertices corresponds to a segment of the set of segments.
Example 4
The indicator of Example 3, wherein the triangular shaped surface
is a Reuleaux triangular shape.
Example 5
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 3 through 4, further
comprising a mount adapted to attach the indicator to a
point-of-use and a positioning key adapted to ensure that, when the
indicator is attached to the point-of-use, each of the three
vertices points in a direction that is pre-determined for that
vertex.
Example 6
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 1 through 5, wherein
the controller is configured to, for each indicator light of the
set of indicator lights: (a) cause that indicator light to emit
light of a configured intensity, and (b) cause that indicator light
to emit light of a configured color.
Example 7
The indicator of Example 6, further comprising an IO-link adapter
configured to receive data when connected to an IO-link interface,
wherein the configured intensity and the configured color are
determined based upon a control signal received by the controller
from the IO-link interface.
Example 8
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 1 through 7, wherein
the light emitting portion comprises a cover adapted to fit the
case and cover an interior, and wherein: (a) the divider comprises
a hub with a set of spokes extending outwards, wherein the set of
spokes define a set of sections within the case, (b) wherein each
spoke of the set of spokes comprises a top edge adapted to abut an
interior wall of the cover and a distal edge adapted to abut an
interior lip of the cover, and (c) the divider is substantially
opaque such that light emitted by a light indicator into any
section of the set of sections is substantially prevented from
passing into any adjacent section.
Example 9
The indicator of Example 8, wherein the cover further comprises a
set of interior steps that touch and pair with the set of spokes
when the divider is coupled with the cover.
Example 10
The indicator of Example 9, wherein the cover is comprised of a
polycarbonate that allows a light transmission of between about 65%
to about 85% and a haze of between about 85% to about 100% at a
thickness of 1.0 mm.
Example 11
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 9 through 10, wherein
each of the set of interior steps: (a) extend from the cover
between about 0.1 mm and about 1.5 mm, (b) are a width that
substantially matches a width of each of the set of spokes where a
step touches a spoke, and (c) are adapted to reduce flashing
between the set of segments.
Example 12
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11, wherein:
(a) the divider comprises a hub with a set of spokes extending
outwards, wherein the set of spokes define a set of sections within
the case, and (b) wherein each spoke of the set of spokes extends
from a top edge having a top thickness and a bottom edge having a
bottom thickness, wherein the top thickness is greater than the
bottom thickness.
Example 13
An indicator comprising: (a) a cover adapted to allow the passage
of light, wherein the cover comprises a set of segments, and
wherein each segment of the set of segments is positioned next to
and touches at least two other segments of the set of segments to
form a looping sequence of segments; (b) a set of light indicators
positioned within the indicator and operable to selectively
illuminate one or more of the set of segments; (c) a controller
configured to control a set of illumination characteristics of the
set of light indicators; wherein the controller is further
configured to: (i) receive a set of indicator pattern signals, and
(ii) individually control the set of illumination characteristics
of each of the set of light indicators based upon the indicator
pattern signal.
Example 14
The indicator of Example 13, further comprising an IO-link adapter
configured to receive data when connected to an IO-link interface,
wherein: (a) the set of indicator pattern signals is received from
the IO-link interface, and (b) the set of illumination
characteristics include an illumination status, an illumination
intensity, and an illumination color.
Example 15
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 13 through 14, wherein
the controller is further configured to, in response to a run mode
signal of the set of indicator pattern signals: (a) light a first
segment of the set of segments at a first intensity, light a second
segment that is adjacent to the first segment at a second
intensity, and light a third segment that is adjacent to the second
segment at a third intensity to create a running block, and (b)
repeatedly shift the set of illumination characteristics for each
light indicator to an adjacent light indicator, in the same
direction, and cause the running block to iterate through the
looping sequence of segments.
Example 16
The indicator of Example 15, wherein the first intensity is greater
than the second intensity, and the second intensity is greater than
the third intensity.
Example 17
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 13 through 16, wherein
the controller is further configured to, in response to a gauge
mode signal of the set of indicator pattern signals: (a) starting
at a first segment of the looping sequence of segments, light one
or more segments of the looping sequence of segments, in sequence,
based upon a gauge value of the gauge mode signal, wherein the
number of the one or more segments that are lit is proportional to
the gauge value, and (b) repeatedly change the number of the one or
more segments that are lit as the gauge value changes in response
to additional gauge mode signals.
Example 18
The indicator of Example 17, wherein the controller is further
configured to: (a) after a last segment of the looping sequence of
segments is lit based upon the gauge value, change an illumination
color of the first segment of the looping sequence to a new
illumination color based upon a change in the gauge value, and (b)
starting at the first segment, light one or more segments of the
looping sequence of segments with the new illumination color, in
sequence, based upon the gauge value, wherein the number of the one
or more segments that are lit with the new illumination color is
proportional to the gauge value.
Example 19
The indicator of any one or more of Examples 13 through 18, further
comprising a mount adapted to attach the indicator to a
point-of-use and a positioning key adapted to ensure that, when the
indicator is attached to the point-of-use, the position of each of
the set of segments is pre-determined, wherein the controller is
further configured to, in response to a directional signal of the
set of indicator pattern signals: (a) determine a direction
associated with the directional signal, wherein the direction is
associated with the physical space in which the point-of-use is
located, (b) determine one or more segments of the set of segments
that are associated with the direction based upon the
pre-determined position of each of the set of segments, and (c)
light each of the one or more segments to indicate the
direction.
Example 20
An indicator comprising: (a) a case; (b) a cover, wherein the cover
is adapted to allow the passage of light therethrough, wherein the
case and cover define an interior; (c) a divider comprising a hub
with a set of six spokes extending outwards from a central axis,
wherein, when the divider is placed within the interior: (i) a top
edge of each of the set of six spokes abuts the cover such that the
set of six spokes define a set of six segments of the cover,
wherein each segment of the set of six segments abuts two other
segments of the set of six segments to form a looping sequence of
segments, (ii) the set of six spokes define a set of six sections
within the interior, and (iii) each of the set of six segments
corresponds to a different of the set of six sections, (d) a set of
light indicators, wherein each section of the set of six sections
contains at least one light indicator of the set of light
indicators, and wherein each of the set of light indicators are
individually operable to illuminate a corresponding segment of the
set of six segments; (e) a controller configured to control a set
of illumination characteristics of the set of light indicators; (f)
a mount adapted to attach the indicator to a point-of-use, the
mount comprising a positioning key adapted to ensure that, when the
indicator is attached to the point-of-use, the position of each of
the set of six segments is pre-determined; wherein the controller
is further configured to receive a directional signal, and in
response to the directional signal: (i) determine a direction
associated with the directional signal, wherein the direction is
associated with the physical space in which the point-of-use is
located, (ii) determine one or more segments of the set of six
segments that are associated with the direction based upon the
pre-determined position of each of the set of six segments, and
(iii) light each of the one or more segments to indicate the
direction.
Having shown and described various embodiments of the present
invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described
herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Several of such potential modifications have
been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics,
materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above
are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of
the present invention should be considered in terms of the
following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details
of structure and operation shown and described in the specification
and drawings.
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